Monday, January 23, 2012

Hope the year is off to a great start for all of you! Welcome to this edition of the blog carnival.

Here are the topics from which to select:

1. What do you want help with for your shop? what would you like tips on? Write about what you'd like help with and the rest of us can comment with suggestions on your post. Or what has been the most important thing you have learned?

2. What's your favorite part of running an Etsy shop? What comes easiest for you pertaining to your shop? Are you good with numbers? Are super neat and organized in your craft room? Do prefer to create or 'run the business'?

Please be sure to checkout the comments here on this post, so that you can visit the blogs of the other participants!

Friday, January 13, 2012

Today's featured Etsy artist is the Etsyblogger of the month! Congrats to Liz who runs two Etsy shops: Liz's Wares and Liz's Supplies. In her shops, you'll find a lot of pretty shiny things -- finished jewelry in Liz's Wares and digital files to help organize your Etsy business at Liz's Supplies.

1. Are we teammates on any Etsy Teams? I belong to Etsybloggers, Etsymom, CCCOE, and I’m the captain for SF Etsy.

Etsybloggers is the only one we match on; but I am also in Deviant Art, Etsy Blog Team, MULTIPLE SHOPS on ETSY, Vintage Lovers, Craftcount, Top Treasury, Stumble-I can't even stand up straight, MADE IN USA, I Love Art, beads, Handmadeology, HeartsyOfficial.

2. Please tell us about the items in your Etsy shop. What do you make? How did you learn your craft? What is involved in your creative process?

My main medium is beads and findings. I love making bracelets, earrings and necklaces. I mostly lean fantasy princess-like pieces, but intend on branching to other styles as well soon.When I was younger I loved making bracelets with pony beads and whatever string I could find. When I was about 14 I finally got the internet and my world opened up to the knowledge of stretch cord, chains, clasps, etc.

I love the design process when I start with a small set of beads and search to see what else I have that would look great with them. I've added to my collection of tools over the years as well.

I love knowing that I'm creating something that will be worn by someone who will feel great about wearing that piece. Whether it's a casual bracelet that becomes their daily favorite, or a special necklace that they chose for Prom or their wedding day!

3. Tell us two (or more) other interesting things about you.

I have also been perfecting my sewing skills too. I intend in the next year or two to open more shops which include LizsHome, LizsClothes, and LizsVintage.

I've created profiles for them, but haven't opened yet. Feel free to add them to your circle so it may be easier to keep an eye on them.

4. How did you get involved with Etsy?

A friend of mind from community college introduced me to Etsy as well as glass beads! She was heaven sent.

I had planned from the first day of seeing Etsy to open up shop. So I created a bunch of items, and researched as much as I could about Etsy.

Then in October 2009 LizsWares was born! I am so glad to have found such an open and caring group in Etsy to share in the experiences of running a small business.

5. What is your favorite item in your shop (currently for sale or previously sold)? Why is it your favorite?

I love this bracelet for many reasons- the beads are gorgeous, it was fun to create. But mostly I love it because when I put it on just after creating it I felt like I had finally found what I really wanted to do with my life. That was to create!I know that my passion is creating and that I'll never give that up for anything.

6. If you had a gift certificate to Etsy for any one item you wanted, what would you buy?

I would love to have a beautiful vanity to sit at. I currently use a hand mirror in front of my computer, lol.

7. What crafting skill(s) do you wish you had or hope to learn someday?

I'd love to learn carpentry so I can build the furniture that I wish I had now and want for my future dream home.

8. If money were no object for just one day, what would you do?

I'd travel to as many places as I could to buy amazing fabric and beads. I'd most likely start in Europe.